Undergraduate or postgraduate - which do I want?

Undergraduate

Most undergraduate students will have completed further education studies in the form of A-levels or equivalent qualifications.

You're an undergraduate student if you are studying for your first degree - usually a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc). Undergraduate degrees provide a grounding in a subject and typically last for three years, however it's also possible to study for an accelerated degree over two years, and which includes a mandatory paid work placement.

Applications to enrol on an undergraduate degree are made through UCAS.

Postgraduate

Postgraduate courses cover higher-level study, including master's degrees, doctorates (PhDs) and postgraduate diplomas. These typically require you to have completed an undergraduate degree, often with 2:2 honours or higher, before you can study them.

Types of master’s degree include:

MSc (Master of Science)

MA (Master of Arts)

MEd (Master of Education)

LLM (Master of Law)

MBA (Master of Business Administration)

MRes (Master of Research)

You do not have to study for a master's degree immediately after finishing your bachelor's degree - many people opt for further study after they have begun their career in their chosen field, particularly if they feel it would enhance their career prospects, or if they wish to specialise in a particular area of expertise.

Applications to enrol on postgraduate courses are made directly to the University.